A critical-state constitutive model for liquefiable sand

Abstract

This paper presents a critical-state constitutive model for sands over a wide range of void ratios and consolidation pressures in a triaxial plane. A single set of parameters, including a unique critical-state line reached at large strain, is also used in the model, and differences in behavior in triaxial compression and extension are modeled by accounting for anisotropy at small and medium ranges of strain. The model uses a capped yield surface (YS), which is characterized by its size and shape. Following evidence in past literature, the stress ratio at the peak point of the capped YS of loose sands is approximated by the stress ratio measured at the peak point of their undrained effective stress path. Yielding parameters obtained using this stress ratio are also applied in modeling dense sand behavior and drained loading. These parameters account for the effects of inherent anisotropy, void ratio, and confining pressure on yielding stresses and are readily determined from laboratory tests, but further research is required on their determination from field data. The model accounts for stress-induced and inherent anisotropies, using different parameters, which develop and evolve independently. Emphasis is placed on proper modeling of aspects of loose sand behavior that affect their susceptibility to flow liquefaction.Key words: constitutive modeling, liquefaction, loose sand, critical state, dilatancy, hardening.